Northern Ireland Women’s squad named for Belgium friendly

Northern Ireland squad
Tom Seiss/Sports Press Photo

Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels has named his squad for this Thursday’s friendly against Belgium in Lier.

Shiels’ 24-strong squad for the 7pm (BST) kick off at Herman Vanderpoortenstadion, shows a number of changes from the World Cup qualifiers in April.

Experienced defender Ashley Hutton returns from a long-term injury, with Southampton’s Laura Rafferty also among the defensive options.

Louise McDaniel is back among the midfield contingent but Megan Bell and Caragh Hamilton are ruled out of the Euros through injury, while Sam Kelly also misses out on the trip to Belgium.

Kerry Beattie keeps her place in the squad, after earning a late call-up for April’s matches.

Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (BK Hacken), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town).

Defenders: Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Ashley Hutton (Linfield), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville), Sarah McFadden (Durham), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton), Demi Vance (Rangers).

Midfielders: Nadene Caldwell, Joely Andrews, Chloe McCarron (all Glentoran), Marissa Callaghan, Toni-Leigh Finnegan and Louise McDaniel (all Cliftonville), Rachel Furness (Liverpool).

Forwards: Kerry Beattie (unattached), Simone Magill (unattached), Caitlin McGuinness, Kirsty McGuinness (both Cliftonville), Lauren Wade (Glentoran), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).

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